ARC360 news round up – Friday 11 November  

ARC360 reveals full event agenda 

ARC360 has revealed the full agenda for its forthcoming Gaining Ground Together 2022 event taking place at The Manufacturing Technology Centre on Thursday 24 November. 

Revised repair standard now live 

The revised automotive services and repair standard BS10125:2022 is now live. 

Created to replace PAS 125, the standard has been designed after consultation with industry experts and stakeholders to help bodyshops adopt best practice in the repair of vehicles up to 5 tonnes. 

CAPS unveils major platform upgrade 

CAPS has launched a new and improved platform for the collision repair industry in the UK and Republic of Ireland. 

BASF celebrates sustainability triumph

BASF’s commitment to the environment has been recognised with a prestigious sustainability award. 

Its UK Automotive Refinish team was awarded the 2022 British Coatings Federation (BCF) Sustainable Innovation Manufacturer Award for its waterborne basecoat system AGILIS by R-M, BASF’s premium refinish brand. 

Research reveals fleet fears

Research from Solera has revealed that most motorists feel unsafe driving alongside trucks. A survey of 1,000 motorists in the US found that 56% said they felt threatened driving near a commercial truck, with 64% saying they had witnessed bad driving behaviours. 

Solera has emphasised how video-based safety and AI technology can help to overcome negative perceptions by identifying poor, aggressive or distracted driving and encouraging good habits. 

BASF backs WorldSkills 

BASF was a proud sponsor of the WorldSkills Car Painting Competition, which took place over four days in Denmark last month. 

All competitors used products and colour matching tools provided by BASF’s premium brand Glasurit, while the Sustainable Practice Awards also highlighted Glasurit’s eco-effectiveness. 

Roar Solberg, Vice President BASF Automotive Refinish Coatings Solutions Europe Middle East, and Africa, said, “Glasurit is proud to be part of the WorldSkills Special Edition in Denmark. Our training programmes ensure young painters can deliver outstanding results in the most sustainable way.” 

Repairify unveils new training programme

Repairify will launch a new comprehensive technical training programme intended to raise standards and skills among automotive technicians. 

Gold for Gemini 

Gemini Accident Repair Centres has been awarded Gold Membership by The 5% Club for a second straight year. 

The 5% Club recognises those companies with at least five per cent of their workforce in ‘earn and learn’ positions, such as apprenticeships. 

DLG results in line with expectations

DLG has published its trading update for the third quarter of the year, announcing results broadly in line with expectations with a combined operating ratio for the year predicted at 98%. 

In motor, adjusted gross written premiums shrunk by 8.9% in the first nine month of 2022 compared to the same period last year. It reported that motor inflation continues to track at about 10%, with claims taking longer to settle, particularly large bodily injury claims. 

WorldSkills announces new members

WorldSkills has invited a raft of education institutions to become part of its Centre of Excellence, an initiative was set up in 2020 to guarantee a high level of training and improve skills across the UK.  

The latest to join are: Bridgend College; Coleg Sir Gar & Coleg Ceredigion; Hopwood Hall; Loughborough College; New City College; Newcastle College Group; Reaseheath College; Salford City College; South Staffordshire College; The Bedford College Group; and The TEC Partnership. 

Autonomous expectation exceeding reality 

A new study by Thatcham Research has revealed that more than half of UK drivers think they can buy a fully autonomous car today. 

It found that 77% of those surveyed between the ages of 17 and 24 believe fully self-driving cars are now available, while 41% of those aged 55 and over also believe this. 

Top marks for MG Cannon

MG Cannon Accident Repair Centre, Westbury received a 100% pass rate in its latest audit by Volkswagen Group. 

The site provides quality repairs across west, mid and north Wiltshire, south, mid and east Somerset and west Berkshire. 

Home workers making classic choice

Home working is contributing to a rise in the sales of classic cars, as people have more time to invest in repairs and revamps. 

This is according to specialist insurer ERS, which has also identified a trend among younger drivers to invest in the classic market. 

Express announces LV= approval

Express Bodyworks has announced that it has become an approved repairer for LV=. 

Brett Archer, Director of Sales, said, “We have already welcomed our first customer’s direct from LV- and continue to develop our relationship with one of the UK’s biggest insurers.” 

Inflation remains number one concern

The World Economic Forum has revealed that inflation remains the greatest risk to business within G20 countries. 

Its Executive Opinion Survey found that 37% of respondents cited inflation as their greatest concern, followed jointly by debt crisis and cost-of-living (21%). 

The survey took responses from more than 12,000 business leaders across 122 countries. 

Copart unveils new stress awareness initiative 

Copart is marking Stress Awareness Week by rolling out ‘The Basics of Managing Stress’ training to all teammates. 

Industry tucks into Big Breakfast 

Automotive charity Ben is celebrating another successful campaign to raise funds in support of colleagues in the industry. 

Ben’s Big Breakfast 2022 saw businesses across the country put on breakfast spreads for colleagues and customers, while also encouraging people to get together and check in with each other’s wellbeing. 

SMMT releases new careers guide

The Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders has launched a new Automotive Career Guide to attract new talent to the industry. 

This comes after SMMT research found that 49% of UK automotive companies are concerned about the skills gap and their ability to fill key roles. 

Kluthe names new paintshop boss

Kluthe UK has appointed Steve Chittim as UK Business Manager of its paintshop division. 

Solera strengthens UK team 

Jamie Gibbs has been appointed National Account Manager at Solera.

ACIS names new development manager

ACIS has appointed Jez Chapman as business development manager to help deliver profitable growth and expansion for customers and national network of distributors. 

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